I'll start with just a list. This isn't exhaustive, only what I can remember off the top of my head. I mostly was a "listen to the radio, go to very little" kind of girl ... until recently when I've started making my husband take me to concerts to make up for lost time.

When I was a teenager I did see many more concerts than are listed, but I don't recall exactly every single one. I was limited to what I was allowed to see, and didn't pursue much when I was grown up, then got married and started a family. Now that they are older I am out and about, seeing more. Some of the artists I've seen more than once. Some of these I'll be seeing again at Festivals this Summer, as well as a few new ones. I only count the bands I've actually truly listened to (Even if I don't listen to them at home, or hate them even.)

After 8 years in the wilderness, I left a small town in a large state for a larger city in the smallest state. The search for a new setting set back my search for new music. Will 2013 restore the old JC's search for the best and brightest in Americana? Or will I go softly into that good night of streaming other people's picks? The new iOS Scrobbler is a good start for my iPad/iPhone, tho Spotify is claiming more ear-time while I'm at home... However, my large city in a small state lies just across the line from…

My favourite female singers with age and birthday (listed chronologic), place of birth (if known), short description (from Wikipedia) and picture (only included for the deceased ones).

(born before 1940)

† Bessie Smith (born April 15, 1894, Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S., died September 26, 1937), sometimes referred to as "The Empress of the Blues," was the most popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s. She is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era and, along with Louis Armstrong, a major influence on subsequent jazz vocalists.http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/360355/Bessie+Smith.jpg

† Marlene Dietrich (27 December 1901 – 6 May 1992, Berlin, Germany) was a German-born American actress and singer.Although she still made occasional films in the post-war years, Dietrich spent most of the 1950s to the 1970s touring the world as a successful show performer. In 1999 the American Film Institute named Dietrich the ninth greatest female star of all time. …

Another list posing as a post. You'll see many of my Best of 2011 on the list and some 2011 releases that were candidates. Some old favorites and some new favorites. Some country, some folk, some blues, all good stuff.

3. What is your favourite lyric number 5 has sung?Got to fight another fight - I gotta run another nightGet it out - check it outI'm on my way and I don't feel rightI gotta get me back - I can't be beat and that's a factIt's OK - I'll find a wayYou ain't gonna take me down no wayDon't judge a thing until you know what's inside itDont' push me - I'll fight itNever gonna give in - never gonna give it up noIf you can't catch a wave then your'e never gonna rideYou can't come uninvitedNever gonna give in - never gonna give up noYou can't take me I'm free[/]You Can't Take Me